rockford

Brand new to the forums but have enjoyed reading all over the last couple of days. I have one of the last produced Canada spec 2006 RX330's - ultra premium package with DVD and ML radio. I have a couple of niggling items that I am surprised to find NOT covered in any threads to date:

1) The ML radio includes the RDS (Radio Data Systm) but the default is Text Off which makes no sense whatsoever. The whole point of the RDS is so that the stations can broadcast call letters, names and even song titles in some cases. Dumb to have to look for the Text icon and then push a button to read. Any way to make the radio default Text On?

2) For the first approx. 5000 miles whenever stopped or shut off, the RX emitted a smell like burnt rubber. So bad we had to leave the garage door open for 15 min to clear the air. Dealer claimed that it was the result of a factory coating on the exhaust system and I'd have to wait until it burned off, which it ultimately did. However, I never got to enjoy that "new car smell" and attracted disdaneful glances at every stop light from neighboring drivers who had to put up with the stink until the light changed. Anyone else had this problem? Is this the cost of Lexus ownership?

JorgeGVB

I just bought my RX350 and did not have that promblem you mention in #2. Mine only had 6 miles on it, so it was brand new too. I have 250 miles now and I am still enjoying that new car smell!

Todd

I saw a TSB for the burnt smell for the 2006 model. If I recall properly there is a new revised cat system, however I would think the 350 model would have incorporated the new design. I haven't had mine replaced yet as dealer balked and blamed it on fuel brand on my first service. We usually only use Chevron which is one of the Top Tier brands.

Will advise them of this TSB if same issue still exists on next visit.